GS Paper - II Model Answers (2018) - 1 | UPSC Mains Answer Writing: Practice PDF Download

Q1: In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: 

Introduction
In anticipation of addressing specific challenges related to the use of traditional paper ballots and leveraging technological advancements to ensure unambiguous voting, the Election Commission introduced Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in 1977. Over the years, EVMs have been utilized in various elections, including General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies and Lok Sabha elections in 2004, 2009, and 2014. However, concerns have emerged about potential tampering with EVMs, prompting discussions before various High Courts since 2001.

Controversial Issues: Several contentious matters have arisen in relation to EVMs:

• Allegations of Tampering: After the recent General Elections to the State Legislative Assemblies of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, some political parties have expressed doubts about the credibility of the ECI-EVMs. They allege that EVMs may have been tampered with to favor a particular party, regardless of the voter's actual physical choice, without the voter's knowledge.

• Administrative and Technical Glitches: Various administrative and technical issues have been observed, such as EVMs and VVPATs malfunctioning due to sensor paralysis during the 2017 Delhi municipal elections and the Kairana and Noorpur by-elections.

• Alleged Hacking and Lack of Verification: Concerns have been raised about EVMs only storing votes without a verification mechanism, potentially promoting favoritism as candidates may know how many people from a polling station voted for them.

Election Commission's Response: The Election Commission has rejected these allegations and reaffirmed the credibility of EVMs, emphasizing their technical and administrative safeguards. EVMs are stand-alone machines, immune to manipulation by external signals. They use one-time programmable chips that cannot be tampered with, and the source code of the software remains confidential. Additionally, measures such as the use of totalizer machines and VVPATs have been introduced to address these concerns. The Totalizer unit consolidates votes from multiple polling stations to eliminate favoritism, while VVPATs generate a paper slip for each vote cast, ensuring a foolproof voting system. In June 2018, all VVPATs were equipped with built-in hoods to protect them from excess light and heat.

Measures for Rebuilding Trust: To regain trust in the Indian electoral system amid cases of political opportunism and skepticism towards EVMs, the Election Commission has taken innovative steps:

• Introduction of VVPAT: The introduction of VVPAT is a positive move. However, the Election Commission must address lacunae in VVPAT technology, such as making it independent of batteries, using sustainable inks, and reducing sensitivity to heat and light.

• Workforce Training: Efforts should be made to employ and train a workforce capable of managing errors and technological issues effectively.

• Statistically Sound VVPAT Tallying: The Election Commission should deploy a statistically sound method for determining the proportion of VVPAT tallying with EVMs rather than relying on random booth selection.

• Technology Upgrade and Timely Procurement: Increased investment in technology and timely procurement of necessary resources is crucial for the electoral process.

• Focus on Enhancing Efficiency and Credibility: Rather than reverting to a paper ballot system, the focus should be on improving the efficiency, credibility, and transparency of the EVM-VVPAT-enabled electoral process.

• Voter Awareness and Electoral Literacy: Efforts should be directed at increasing voter awareness and electoral literacy to empower voters in making informed choices and ensuring a fair election process.

Conclusion: The Election Commission of India has played a pivotal role in nurturing India's democratic health by improving the quality of election management. Elections are the cornerstone of every democratic process, laying the foundation for the rule of law, freedom of speech, and transparency. Any shortcomings in this process can affect people's faith in democracy and the political system. EVMs play a crucial role in ensuring fair and just elections, and it is essential to embrace newer technologies and make them foolproof to uphold the democratic principles mandated by the Constitution under Article 324, considered a fundamental element of our democracy.

Q2: Whether National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans:

Introduction
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Castes and promoting their social, educational, economic, and cultural well-being through special provisions in the Constitution. Additionally, the NCSC serves as an advisory and recommendatory body focused on the holistic upliftment of Scheduled Castes.

• About Religious Minority: The National Commission for Minority Educational Institution Act, 2004, provides a definition of 'minority.' According to this act, a minority is a community determined by the central government based on religion as defined in Article 30 of the Indian Constitution. Furthermore, a 'minority institution' is an educational institution administered and established by a minority community.

• Rights of Minorities to Establish and Administer Educational Institutions (Article 30):

  • All minority communities have the right to establish and manage educational institutions of their choice.
  • In cases where the government acquires property of a minority educational institution, the government must ensure that a fair and reasonable compensation is provided to protect the rights of minorities.
  • The State is prohibited from discriminating among educational institutions based on whether they are administered by a minority in terms of religion or language.

• Benefits Available to Minority Institutions: Minority educational institutions enjoy several advantages not available to other institutions:
  • They are exempt from the obligation to reserve seats for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) as required for other educational institutions.
  • In terms of employee selection, minority institutions have more autonomy and can establish selection committees independent of university representatives. This allows them to select teachers and principals according to their own preferences.
  • Minority educational institutions can reserve up to 50 percent of their student admissions for students from their own community.

In the case of P.A. Inamdar vs. State of Maharashtra [2006 (6) SCC 537], the Supreme Court clarified that reservation policies for student admissions and employment do not apply to minority institutions.

• Recent Controversies: Recent demands for a Dalit Quota in minority-run institutions, such as Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi, have revived the reservation issue in religious minority institutions.

Conclusion: The provision of fundamental rights under the constitution to protect the educational rights of minority communities is not an act of inequality towards privileged classes but a measure that provides a sense of security to minority groups against perceived threats from the majority. The example of the Jain community, which boasts the highest literacy rate and widespread education, illustrates the success of this right.

Moving forward, it is essential to create a clear and unambiguous list of religious minority institutions seeking aid or recognition from the state to prevent overlapping regulatory powers and ensure the balanced growth of both minority and other communities. This is particularly significant in the context of India, a diverse and inclusive nation known for its plurality and diversity. The right granted to minorities under Article 30 is designed to ensure equality with the majority and not to place them in an advantageous position over the majority.

Q3: Under what circumstances can the Financial Emergency be proclaimed by the President of India?What consequences follow when such a declaration remains in force? (Answer in 150 words)
Ans:

Introduction
The incorporation of Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution serves a vital purpose—safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, integrity, and security of the nation, the democratic political system, and the Constitution itself. During an Emergency, the central government assumes extraordinary powers, bringing the states under its total control and temporarily transforming the federal structure into a unitary one, all without formal amendment of the Constitution. This unique feature of the Indian Constitution ensures the country's stability during times of crisis.

• Financial Emergency Provisions (Article 360): Article 360 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to proclaim a Financial Emergency if certain conditions are met. A Financial Emergency may be declared when the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen that threatens the financial stability or credit of India or any part of its territory.

• Judicial Review of Presidential Satisfaction: The 38th Amendment Act of 1975 had initially made the President's satisfaction in declaring a Financial Emergency final and beyond judicial review. However, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 repealed this provision, implying that the President's satisfaction can be subjected to judicial scrutiny.

• Consequences of a Financial Emergency: The proclamation of a Financial Emergency carries significant consequences, which include: a. The central government may issue directives to any state, mandating compliance with specific financial propriety standards. b. The President may issue directions considered necessary and adequate for the situation. c. These directives may include provisions for the reduction of salaries and allowances of state employees, along with the reservation of money bills or financial bills for the President's consideration after passing by the state legislature. d. The President also has the authority to issue directions for reducing the salaries and allowances of Union employees, including judges of the Supreme Court and high courts.

• Impact on Financial Autonomy of States: The operation of a Financial Emergency empowers the central government to exercise full control over states in financial matters. This provision has drawn concerns about its impact on the financial autonomy of states, as noted by H.N. Kunzru, a member of the Constituent Assembly.

• Historical Context: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Indian Constitution, explained the reasons for including these provisions. He mentioned the influence of the National Recovery Act of the United States, passed in 1933 during the Great Depression, which granted the President similar powers to address economic and financial difficulties faced by the American people.

• No Financial Emergency to Date: It is worth noting that no Financial Emergency has been declared in India thus far, despite facing a financial crisis in 1991.

Conclusion: The inclusion of Financial Emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution is a safeguard to protect the nation's financial stability and credit. While these provisions grant extensive powers to the central government, they are designed to be invoked sparingly and in response to severe financial crises. The ability to subject the President's satisfaction to judicial review ensures accountability and fairness in the application of these provisions.

Q4: Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role of the Estimates Committee. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: 

Introduction
The Parliament of India is a complex and vast institution tasked with numerous functions, from dealing with issues like the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Rafael deal to addressing matters of money laundering and many others. Given its size and the limited number of working days available, the Parliament relies on a system of committees to effectively deliberate, scrutinize, and enhance its legislative functions.

• Significance of Parliamentary Committees: 
  Parliamentary committees play a crucial role in the legislative process for several reasons:
  (i) Ensuring executive accountability, a cornerstone of representative democracy.
  (ii) Increasing the volume of work that can be accomplished efficiently.
  (iii) Allowing for more detailed debates on issues compared to plenary sessions.
  (iv) Enhancing the level of participation of Members of Parliament (MPs) in discussions. e. Building expertise and in-depth knowledge among MPs, which contributes to strengthening the parliamentary system and improving governance.
  (v) Providing a platform for the public to present views directly to MPs, a unique opportunity not possible in plenary sessions.
  (vi) Creating a space for Parliament to hear evidence and collect information on specific committee areas.
  (vii) Examining specific areas of public life and matters of public interest.
  (viii) Handling domestic parliamentary issues.
  (ix) Granting committees the power to summon individuals to appear, give evidence, or produce documents.
  (x) Allowing committees to require individuals or institutions to report on relevant matters.

• Role of the Estimates Committee: The Estimates Committee, with its origins dating back to the standing financial committee of 1921, consists of 30 members elected annually from the Lok Sabha. Its primary functions are to:
  (i) Examine how government funds from the Budget are spent.
  (ii) Suggest improvements in organization, efficiency, and administrative reform in line with budgetary policies.
  (iii) Propose alternative policies to enhance efficiency and economy in administration.
  (iv) Review the allocation of funds within the limits of the policy outlined in the estimates.
  (v) Make recommendations on the presentation of estimates to Parliament.
  (vi) Select relevant estimates from various ministries or departments.

• Challenges Faced by Parliamentary Committees: Despite their important roles, parliamentary committees face several challenges, including:
  (i) Scrutinizing budget estimates only after they have been approved by Parliament.
  (ii) Inability to question the policies set by Parliament.
  (iii) Advisory recommendations that are not legally binding on government ministries.
  (iv) Limited scope of examination, as committees review only selected ministries and departments annually.
  (v) Lack of access to the expertise of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), which is available to the Public Accounts Committee.
  (vi) Primarily engaging in post-mortem analyses.

• The Need for Reform: In recent years, parliamentary committees have grown in importance as lawmaking becomes more intricate. Committees also provide a means to bring Parliament closer to the people and enable a broader range of opinions to be heard. Therefore, periodic experimentation and reviews are essential to drive necessary changes. Although the Indian Parliament has made various adjustments in the past 64 years, such as increasing the total strength of the Houses and enhancing security, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive overhaul of the parliamentary committee system.

Conclusion: Parliamentary committees serve as the backbone of the legislative process in India, allowing for thorough examination and scrutiny of complex issues. Their role in enhancing executive accountability, promoting informed debates, and facilitating public participation cannot be overstated. To adapt to the evolving legislative landscape, the Indian Parliament should consider systemic reforms to maximize the effectiveness of these committees.

Q5: “The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has a very vital role to play.” Explain how this is reflected in the method and terms of his appointment as well as the range of powers he can exercise. (Answer in 150 words)

Ans:

Introduction: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) holds a constitutional post as mandated under Article 148 of the Constitution of India. This position plays a pivotal role in the governance of the nation, particularly in terms of financial accountability and oversight. This article discusses the method of appointment, powers, and constitutional significance of the CAG in India.

• Method of Appointment and Term: The CAG is appointed by the President of India, following a recommendation by the Prime Minister. The appointment is made by the President through a warrant bearing his signature and seal, making it the highest order of appointment in India. The CAG takes an oath of affirmation before the President before assuming office.

The CAG's term of office extends for a period of six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier. This provision ensures the CAG's security of tenure and allows for voluntary resignation, similar to other key dignitaries such as the Chief Election Commissioner and the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission. The ability to resign at will ensures independence and impartiality in overseeing the government's finances, which is crucial for the nation's fiscal health.

• Removal of CAG: The CAG can only be removed by the President on an address from both houses of Parliament with a special majority, on grounds of proved misbehavior or incapacity. These grounds are comprehensive and subject to detailed investigation, eliminating any casual or arbitrary removal of the CAG. This impeachment-like process underscores the critical role the CAG plays in ensuring financial accountability and transparency.

• Powers of CAG and Constitutional Vitality: The powers and duties of the CAG are outlined under Article 149 of the Indian Constitution. In addition, the Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service (DPC) Act of 1971 was enacted to further define the CAG's role. The CAG is responsible for the audit of various entities and accounts, including government receipts and expenditures from the Consolidated Fund of India, state and Union Territory governments, government companies, and more.

The CAG also certifies the net proceeds of any tax or duty, with the "net proceeds" calculated by deducting the cost of collection. This certification is final and aids in fiscal federalism and financial inclusivity, particularly as India implements measures like the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Additionally, the CAG serves as a guide and resource for the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, assisting them in their work and ensuring a streamlined parliamentary process. The CAG also compiles and maintains state government accounts, contributing to fiscal consolidation and responsible financial management.

The CAG submits three audit reports to the President, covering appropriation accounts, finance accounts, and public undertakings. These reports help uphold the Constitution of India and ensure accountability of the executive branch to the Parliament, particularly in financial matters.

The CAG is an essential agent of the Parliament, conducting audits on its behalf and upholding the principles of financial administration laid out in the Constitution and laws of Parliament. While the CAG has considerable freedom in auditing expenditure, rules for other audits require executive government approval. This role reflects the vital significance of the CAG in the administration of the vast nation, contributing to financial accountability and governance.

Q6: “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation to environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: The proliferation of political parties in India has resulted in decision-making challenges, leading to confusion, fragmentation, and policy contradictions. This indecisiveness adversely affects common people and the environment on a large scale. The nature of environmental problems is also influenced by the level and pattern of economic development.

Factors Contributing to Environmental Degradation:

• Manufacturing Technology:

  • Most industries have adopted manufacturing technologies that place a significant burden on the environment due to intensive resource and energy usage.

• Transport Activities:

  • Transport activities have a range of adverse effects on the environment, including air pollution, noise from road traffic, and oil spills from marine shipping.

• Agricultural Development:

  • Agricultural activities contribute to environmental degradation through soil erosion, land salinization, and nutrient loss.

• Institutional and Technological Activities:

  • Lack of effective coordination among various ministries and institutions regarding the integration of environmental concerns in project planning.

• Market Distortions:

  • Price controls and subsidies can exacerbate challenges in achieving environmental objectives.

Examples of Environmental Degradation:

• Capitalists vs. Tribals:

  • Conflict between capitalists seeking mining rights and tribal communities suffering significant losses, resulting in environmental degradation.

• "Art of Living" Event:

  • An event organized by "Art of Living" causing damage to the Yamuna River.

• Sinking Aquifers and Short-Sighted Public Works:

  • Paving banks and riverbeds in many places accelerating the decline of major rivers like Godavari and Ganga.

Way Forward:

• Strengthen Enforcement Capabilities:

  • Enhance the enforcement capabilities of environmental institutions at both the central and state levels to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

• Effective Coordination:

  • Promote effective coordination among various ministries and institutions in integrating environmental concerns during the project's inception and planning stages.

• Capacity Building:

  • Develop a skilled workforce and maintain precise databases to avoid project delays and enhance environmental management.

• State Government Support:

  • Provide state government institutions with adequate technical staff and resources to better manage and protect the environment.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA):

  • Make the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedure more effective in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable development.

Balancing environmental preservation and economic development is undoubtedly a complex task, but these steps can pave the way for a more sustainable and harmonious coexistence between the two.

Q7: Appropriate local community level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans:
Introduction: Article 47 of the Indian Constitution places a constitutional duty on the State to raise nutrition levels, improve standards of living, and enhance public health. In pursuit of these objectives, the Indian government introduced the National Health Mission (NHM), a flagship health sector program designed to rejuvenate both rural and urban healthcare by providing flexible financial support to state governments.

The Need for the Policy:

• Local Community Healthcare Intervention: Recognizing the critical importance of healthcare interventions at the local community level, the National Health Mission (NHM) was launched to enhance health infrastructure at district and sub-district levels.

• Innovations in Health Sector: NHM brought significant innovations to health sector program implementation in India.

• Role of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) Workers:

  • ASHA workers were deployed as transformative change agents in every village, leading to significant behavioral changes in local communities.

Key Government Schemes:

• Ayushman Bharat:

  • Aims to create a network of health and wellness infrastructure across the country for comprehensive primary healthcare services.
  • Provides insurance coverage to at least 40% of India's population that lacks access to secondary and tertiary care services.

• Mission Indradhanush: Aims to achieve full immunization coverage of 90% of children by 2020.

• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: Ensures assured antenatal care for expectant mothers.

Policy Shift in Primary Healthcare
Transition from selective care to assured comprehensive care.

Kayakalp Award Scheme: Encourages and incentivizes public health facilities to adhere to cleanliness, hygiene, waste management, and infection control standards.

Measures Required in the Health Sector:

• Digital Interventions: Promote tele-consultations to link tertiary care institutions with specialists for expert consultations.

• Behavioral Change Tracking: Focus on education and counseling at all levels to track behavioral changes.

• Universal, Accessible, Affordable Primary Healthcare:

  • Establish a comprehensive primary healthcare package with health cards for easy access to primary healthcare.
  • Provide free drugs and diagnostics and support low-cost pharmacy chains, such as Jan Aushadhi stores.

• Increase Public Health Expenditure: Gradually raise public health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP.

Conclusion: Through the effective implementation of government schemes and comprehensive policy interventions, India can make significant progress in the health sector, ultimately achieving the goal of Affordable Healthcare for All. This approach aims to fulfill the constitutional mandate of improving public health, raising nutrition levels, and enhancing the standard of living for the country's citizens.

Q8: E-governance in not only about utilization of the power of new technology, but also much about critical importance of the ‘use value’ of information. Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: 

Introduction: E-governance, in tandem with the utilization of new technology, entails the public sector's adoption of information and communication technologies to enhance information and service delivery, foster citizen engagement in decision-making processes, and promote government accountability, transparency, and effectiveness.

The Power of Citizen-Generated Data:

• Government-Citizen Interaction: In the era of e-governance, the government's interaction with citizens, as well as citizen-to-citizen interactions in various government portals and discussion forums, have generated a wealth of information.

• Right to Information (RTI): Citizens also have the ability to access government information through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Utilization of Citizen-Generated Data:

• Targeted Policy Implementation: The government can employ this information for target-based policy implementation and resource allocation.

• Addressing Regional and Social Needs: This data enables better governance by addressing the specific needs of various regions or sections of society.

• Enhanced Feedback Mechanism: It strengthens the feedback mechanism and aids in informed decision-making.

• Monitoring Compliance: Facilitates monitoring and ensures adherence to rules and regulations, such as tracking tax evasion in the new GST regime.

• Transparency and Accountability: Making information accessible to citizens fosters transparency and accountability in administration.

The Role of National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP):  The National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy (NDSAP) is a national open data sharing portal that proactively shares government data with the public.

Realizing the Full Potential:

• Defense and Security: Correct analysis and the timely use of data are crucial for securing the nation's defense and security systems, in addition to promoting socio-economic development.

• Modernization and Utilization of Data: Modernizing governance and leveraging data utilization can lead to improved public service delivery and ultimately benefit society at large.

Conclusion: E-governance, coupled with the judicious use of citizen-generated data, empowers governments to make informed decisions, implement policies more effectively, and enhance transparency and accountability. Utilizing data to its full potential can not only benefit governance but also bolster national defense and security while contributing to overall socio-economic development.

Q9: “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans:

Introduction: India and Israel, both vital democracies in South Asia and the Middle East, have experienced a transformation in their bilateral relations over the past few decades. Initially marked by limited engagement, these diplomatic ties have evolved into a robust partnership characterized by a wide array of cooperation. This shift is a testament to the increasing political will of both nations, and Israel's Prime Minister aptly describes their relationship as a "marriage made in heaven." The relationship encompasses diverse areas of collaboration, emphasizing strategic cooperation over transactional exchanges.

Traditional Areas of Cooperation:

• Defense: India has become the largest arms buyer from Israel, with a landmark $2 billion defense deal signed recently.

• Trade:

  • Bilateral trade, excluding defense, has grown from $200 million to over $4 billion in 2016-17.
  • To further enhance trade ties, India and Israel have established the India-Israel CEO forum and the 'India-Israel Innovation Bridge' web platform to facilitate Israeli investments in India.

• Tourism:

  • Air India's direct flights from New Delhi to Tel Aviv, over Saudi Arabian airspace, have garnered a positive response.
  • Increased flight frequencies and the launch of an Israeli airline, Arkia, highlight the growing tourism sector.

• Agriculture:

  • The establishment of multiple Centers of Excellence in India has bolstered agricultural cooperation by introducing advanced Israeli practices and technology.
  • Both countries are developing a Five-Year Joint Work Plan for strategic cooperation in Agriculture and Water.

• Counterterrorism:

  • Robust counterterrorism cooperation, including intelligence-sharing, has been a key element in the partnership.
  • Israel's expertise in border management along the India-Pakistan border has also been invaluable.

New Areas of Cooperation:

• Cybersecurity: Collaborative efforts in cybersecurity, including the establishment of cybersecurity academies, are on the rise.

• Big Data: Big data is being harnessed to enhance agricultural cooperation between India and Israel.

• Space: The India-Israel Industrial R&D and Technological Innovation Fund (I4F), worth $40 million for the next five years, focuses on space and technological innovation.

• Other Areas: Collaborations are expanding into areas like film production, energy, startups, and more.

Depth in Relations:

• Balanced Relationship:

  • India and Israel have effectively balanced their current relationship with India's historical support for the Palestinian cause.
  • Recent events, such as India's UN vote against the U.S. decision on Jerusalem, did not sour the relationship.

• Regional Geopolitics: Both nations engage in regular exchanges on regional geopolitics in the wider Middle East to understand each other's concerns.

Conclusion: While India-Israel relations may not yet match the breadth and depth of Sino-Israeli ties, their evolving partnership carries significant momentum and promise. The transformation from a transactional relationship to a strategic alliance underscores the commitment of both countries to fostering cooperation across a multitude of sectors. The multifaceted nature of India-Israel relations positions them for a promising future, addressing mutual interests while maintaining diplomatic sensitivities.

Q10: A number of outside powers have entrenched themselves in Central Asia, which is a zone ofinterest to India. Discuss the implications, in this context, of India’s joining the Ashgabat Agreement,2018. (Answer in 150 words)
Ans: India's Strategic Interests in Central Asia and Implications

1. Central Asia as India's Extended Neighborhood:

   • Central Asia is considered a significant part of India's "extended neighborhood."
   • India has substantial geo-strategic and economic interests in the region.
   • India's key interests in Central Asia include security, energy resources, trade, and mutual cooperation.

2. Key Interests in Central Asia:

   • India's interests in Central Asia encompass security, energy, trade, and cooperation across various domains.
   • India faces competition in these areas from major global powers active in the region.

3. Factors Attracting Global Attention to Central Asia:

   • Central Asia's strategic location as a transit route, situated in the heart of the Eurasian Continent.
   • Abundant mineral resources, especially hydrocarbons, make it a valuable region.
   • An untapped consumer market with considerable potential.
   • Historical role as a buffer zone and a hub for Islamic extremism.
   • Witnessing capital flow, expanding trade, and infrastructure development.

4. Rivalry Among Great Powers:

   • Increased competition among major powers for security and energy interests in the region.

5. Outside Powers and Implications for India:

   • Russia as a traditional player seeking political influence.
   • China emerging as a reliable partner with an ingenious soft-power approach.
   • The US and its allies using the region as a supply hub for the Afghanistan war effort.
   • India's relations with Central Asia, while visible, remain marginal compared to China and Russia.

6. India's Joining of the Ashgabat Agreement:

   • India recently joined the Ashgabat Agreement, focused on enhancing connectivity in the Eurasian region.
   • Founding members include Turkmenistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Oman.

7. Implications for India:

   • Diversification of India's connectivity options in Central Asia.
   • Positive impact on India's trade and commercial ties with the Eurasian region.
   • Improved access to Central Asia's strategic and high-value minerals.
   • Alignment with India's efforts to implement the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
   • Strengthened prospects for commercial ties with the region.
   • Enhanced strategic importance for India in ensuring peace and stability in Central Asian Republics (CARs) and Afghanistan.

8. Scope for Bilateral Ties:

   • Opportunities for India to foster bilateral ties in education, English-language teaching, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, agro-processing industries, pharmaceuticals, and more.

9. The Need for India to Compete and Succeed:

   • Emphasizing the importance of India's active involvement and success in Central Asia due to high stakes in the region.

In conclusion, Central Asia holds significant importance for India, and its active engagement in the region is essential to safeguard its strategic interests and enhance connectivity, trade, and cooperation with Central Asian countries.